Patients are not waiting for permission: the rise of the AI-empowered patient

The Lancet Primary Care 2026 Open access

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Authors: Sara Riggare, David Sundemo, M. M. Lewis, Charlotte Blease
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanprc.2026.100112
Cited by: 3
References: 8

Abstract

We have heard physicians express the sentiment that patients will not trust artificial intelligence (AI) until physicians trust AI. The reality suggests the opposite. Patients are already engaging with AI for their health—without permission, endorsement, or guidance from clinicians. Yet, patient-directed AI might foster greater autonomy, agency, and reflective engagement with health decisions. Patients globally are already using generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to interpret symptoms, learn about diagnoses, and guide their health decisions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education Electronic Health Records Systems Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Primary Care
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
2
Issue
3
Pages
100112–100112
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN